The loss of 32 Nigerian Air Force members in an aircraft crash in Ondo State has been called “a profound tragedy” by Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle.
On Monday, October 5, 2026, while on a routine operational voyage from Benin to Lagos, the NAF ATR-42 aircraft carrying 25 officers and seven crew members crashed close to a naval installation in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. Matawalle sent his sympathies to the loved ones, coworkers, and families of the crash victims.
“I was deeply saddened to learn that the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed today, Monday, October 5, 2026, with 25 officers and seven crew members on board,” Matawalle stated.
According to Matawalle, the Ministry of Defence prayed for the soldiers’ families and coworkers and joined President Bola Tinubu in grieving.
“We honour the bravery, commitment, and service of every employee involved in this regrettable event. He declared, “We will never forget their dedication to duty and service to Nigeria.”